Abstract: A method of making a gas tank includes hydroforming two halves and welding the halves together. Two types of welds are used in welding the two halves together, tack welds for holding the two halves together, and stitch welds to complete the welding of the two halves. Additional steps are taken prior to the finishing stitch welds. Reinforcement is added where necessary. Double tanks, for both gasoline and oil, are also fabricated by essentially the same method steps.

Abstract: Door stop apparatus includes a block secured to a vehicle and a bar extending through a generally horizontal bore in the block. The bar is secured to a vehicle door and includes stop recesses spaced apart from each other. The bar extends through a cylinder a generally vertical bore in the block and the cylinder includes a biased roller which extends sequentially into the stop recesses on the bar to provide intermediate stops for the vehicle door. The cylinder pivots or rotates in the bore as the door moves.

Abstract: Traction enhancing apparatus for a vehicle wheel includes a strap securable to a wheel and a sleeve disposed on the strap. The sleeve includes friction enhancing elements extending the full length of the sleeve and the strap includes cooperating locking elements at opposite ends of the strap. A plurality of such strap and sleeve elements are easily secured to a vehicle wheel under emergency conditions, such as snow, ice, or the like, to enhance the traction of the vehicle wheel.

Abstract: Hidden mounting apparatus for securing a gas tank to a motorcycle chassis includes mounting brackets secured to the gas tank on opposites sides of a tunnel on the gas tank. The mounting brackets extend into the gas tank and receive ends of a mounting plate which is secured to the motorcycle chassis. Bolts extend through the mounting plate and into threaded bores in the mounting brackets. A cover plate extends over the mounting plate and is secured to the mounting brackets to cover the entire assembly. Bushings in the mounting plate help to dampen vibrations between the chassis and the tank.

Abstract: Prosthetic apparatus includes a pyramid adaptor and a pylon connected together by an outer sleeve, which may be an elastomeric element. The sleeve or element is clamped to both the pyramid adaptor and to the pylon to provide shock absorbing characteristics and to allow relative axial rotation between the pyramid adaptor and the pylon. Different configurations or embodiments of sleeves are illustrated, and the use of a third clamp is also illustrated.

Abstract: A cover apparatus for temporarily covering access openings for water, drain, manhole and overflow pipes during construction, when the access openings are exposed, to prevent dirt, dust or unauthorized access to the access openings. The cover apparatus includes a top portion which extends beyond the access opening, a depending side wall which fits within the access opening, a outwardly flared lower side wall which extends below the depending side wall, a central ring depending from the top portion in spaced relation from the depending side wall, and a plurality of ribs extending between the central ring and the depending side wall. A pump means is secured within the central ring, and an expandable bladder in fluid communication with the pump means is positioned on the depending side wall, between the top portion and the outwardly flared side wall. When inflated, the expandable bladder seals the cover apparatus to the access opening.

Abstract: Step pedal apparatus includes a pair of step pedals pivotally connected to a frame. The frame supports a front wheel and a rear drive wheel. The step pedals are coupled to a shaft for rotating the shaft on their downward pivoting through a pair of one way clutches. The step pedals operate independently of each other. The shaft is disposed between the step pedals and the rear wheel and is coupled to the rear wheel by a chain and a pair of sprockets. One sprocket is secured to and rotatable with the shaft and the other sprocket is coupled to the rear drive wheel. The step pedals are stabilized by a pair of arms coupled respectively to the step pedals and to the frame. The step pedals are indepedently coupled to the clutches by chains or cables extending between the frame and the clutches and rotate the clutches in response to the downward pivoting of the step pedals.

Abstract: Cooking grill apparatus includes a portion of a vehicle, such as a front portion or a rear portion, for decorative and functional purposes, disposed in or on a free standing grill assembly or base. A vehicle engine hood or, in an alternate embodiment, a vehicle trunk lid, comprises a cover for a cooking grill disposed on the base. Adjacent portions of the vehicle are included for protective, functional, and decorative applications. The vehicle portion are integrated into the outdoor free standing grill assembly or base. The assembly or base may extend both laterally and rearwardly from the vehicle portion. Vehicle lights may be used for nighttime use of the grill apparatus.

Abstract: The prefabrication of a window ledge is described in sequential steps. The method of prefabricating a window ledge includes preparing two portions, a top portion and a bottom portion. The bottom portion is appropriately profiled in a block, while the top portion is appropriately cut to provide a rounded front edge. After the bottom block has been appropriately cut to provide the desired profile, and a determination of the width of the window in which the window ledge will be installed has been made, the two portions are appropriately cut to size, with the bottom portion having its ends cut to provide the same profile as the front side and the two portions are appropriately secured together, ready for finish coating/painting and installation at the appropriate window frame location.

Abstract: Curved file apparatus includes a base element having a straight file on a top surface and a curved element secured to the base element. The curved element includes a convex bottom file surface and a pair of flat file surfaces on the sides of the curved element. The curved element may stand aloe in a second embodiment, with its convex file surface and its flat file surfaces. Handle elements are secured to both embodiments.

Abstract: Prosthetic apparatus includes a pyramid adaptor and a pylon connected together by an outer sleeve, which may be an elastomeric element. The sleeve or element is clamped to both the pyramid adaptor and to the pylon to provide shock absorbing characteristics and to allow relative axial rotation between the pyramid adaptor and the pylon. Different configurations of sleeves are illustrated, and the use of a third clamp is also illustrated.

Abstract: Housing apparatus for protecting a padlock includes plate elements securable to a door with an aperture in the back of the housing for receiving a fixed hasp plate secured either to a second door or to a door frame. The housing includes a slot in a back plate for receiving the hasp plate and an open bottom for receiving a padlock. A front plate includes an aperture through which a key may be extended into a front opening padlock.